If ratings for the new syndicated show “American Idol Rewind” are such an indicator, the answer is no, definitely not. The clip job, which combines already-aired “Idol” footage with original content, is the No. 3 new syndicated program of the season, ahead of even the much-buzzed-about new talk show “Rachael Ray.”

During fourth quarter, when "Rewind” launched, it averaged a 2.7 household rating, 0.6 ahead of “Ray,” according to Nielsen data analyzed by Magna Global. It trailed only “Without a Trace” and “CSI: Miami,” like “Rewind” weekend strips with more limited airings than daily shows like “Ray.”

“Rewind” averaged a 1.7 in women 18-49, tied for second among new shows and 0.5 ahead of “Ray.” And among men 18-49, it ranked a solid No. 2, averaging a 1.3 rating.

When Tribune Entertainment and “Idol” producer FremantleMedia started selling the “Rewind” project last January, it seemed like a cheap way to capitalize on the “Idol” craze. Why would viewers tune in to watch a reality show that thrives on competitive tension when they already knew the outcome?

It turns out that many still want to relive the drama with a bit of perspective. After all, watching Kelly Clarkson’s initial audition is more fascinating now that viewers know she’s talented enough to win a Grammy. Equally fascinating: Figuring out just when season-one runner-up Justin Guarini went from charming to annoying.

Producers added previously shot but never aired footage, like the Clarkson audition, to “Rewind” and also repackaged the show to highlight the eventual finalists. In that way, it’s much different from past syndicated reality fare like “Fear Factor” or “Survivor,” which present little original content.

Tribune plans 26 episodes in this initial run, which focuses on season one. Future seasons focusing on years two through five may have more episodes, as Fox added more “Idol” air time in subsequent years as the show became more popular.

The sixth season of “Idol” debuts with a two-hour special Tuesday at 8 p.m. on Fox.

Meanwhile, in other dayparts for the week ended Dec. 31, NBC’s “Meet the Press” was the leader in Sunday morning shows with 4.21 million total viewers and a 1.1 in adults 25-54. ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” was second with 3.17 million viewers and a 1.0, followed by CBS’s “Face the Nation” with 2.97 million and a 0.8, and Fox “News Sunday” in fourth place with 1.22 million and a 0.4 among adults 25-54.

In late night, with all but ABC’s “Nightline” in repeats, NBC’s “Tonight Show with Jay Leno” won the week with an average 5.1 million total viewers and a 1.6 rating among adults 18-49. “Late Show with David Letterman,” on CBS, had 3.8 million viewers and a 1.2 rating in the demo, while ABC’s “Nightline” brought in 3.6 million viewers and a 1.2 rating. In late late night, NBC’s “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” had 2.3 million total viewers and a 1.0 in 18-49s, CBS’s “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” had 1.9 million viewers and a 0.6, ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” had 1.6 million viewers and a 0.6, and NBC’s “Last Call with Carson Daly” had 1.4 million viewers and 0.6 among 18-49s.

In morning shows, NBC’s “Today” led with 4.8 million total viewers and a 3.7 rating and 15 share in households, followed by ABC’s “Good Morning America” with 4.06 million viewers and a 3.1/12. CBS’s “Early Show” was last with 2.69 million total viewers and a 2.0/8.

In daytime, CBS had the largest audience for daytime dramas and full daytime, 4.22 and 4.73 million respectively. The network finished second among women 18-49, with a 1.5 rating in both dramas and full daytime. ABC had the second-largest audience with 3.42 million watching its dramas and 3.52 million for full daytime, and won the key women 18-49 demo with a 1.7 rating for both dramas and full daytime. NBC had an audience of 2.91 million for both dramas and full daytime, and a 1.5 rating in women 18-49 for both.

In evening network news for the week ended Jan. 7, NBC’s “Nightly News with Brian Williams” led with 10.03 million viewers and a 2.6 in 25-54s. ABC’s “World News with Charles Gibson” was second with 9.52 million viewers and a 2.6, while CBS’s “Evening News with Katie Couric” came in third with 7.65 million total viewers and a 1.9 in the key demo.